France Will Sell Ukraine the First Batch of 16 Rafale Fighter Jets

France and Ukraine have agreed on the sale of the first batch of 16 Rafale fighter jets. Ukraine is expected to receive its first French fighter jets as early as 2028–2029.

French President Emmanuel Macron made this announcement during a press conference following a meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing” in Paris.

“This involves a project to acquire 16 Rafale aircraft and their accompanying weapon systems. The first flights could take place as early as 2028–2029, and personnel training will begin in the coming months,” Macron emphasized.

In November 2025, it was reported that plans were in place to order 100 French Rafale fighter jets to strengthen the Ukrainian Air Force.

Prior to this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron signed an agreement regarding Ukraine’s purchase of defense equipment.

As early as December, a Ukrainian delegation met with the CEO of the aerospace company Dassault Aviation to discuss the possibility of localizing the production of Rafale fighter jets.

In March 2026, it was reported that Ukraine was preparing an advance payment for the first Gripen fighter jets from Sweden and Rafale fighter jets from France.